The Whale (2011)

78% of critics liked it
(18 reviews)
97% of users liked it
(600 ratings)

Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, The Whale is the true story of a young killer whale, an orca nicknamed Luna, who makes friends with people after he gets separated from his family on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. As rambunctious and surprising as a visitor from another… More Narrated by Ryan Reynolds, The Whale is the true story of a young killer whale, an orca nicknamed Luna, who makes friends with people after he gets separated from his family on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, British Columbia. As rambunctious and surprising as a visitor from another planet, Luna endears himself to humans with his determination to make contact, which leads to laughter, conflict and unexpected consequences. -- (C) Official Site

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: G, 1 hr. 25 min.
Directed By: Michael Parfit
Genres: Documentary

In Theaters: Sep 23, 2011 Limited
Studio: Paladin Films

Critic Reviews

Stephanie Merry, Washington Post
There's no denying that filmmakers Suzanne Chisholm and Michael Parfit captured spectacular shots of both wildlife and picturesque scenery of evergreen-lined water under vibrant pink sunsets.
Sheri Linden, Los Angeles Times
Thoughtful and moving, if often heavy-handed...
Ronnie Scheib, Variety
Docu dotes on its adorable, highly photogenic star, but nonstop voiceover commentary and exclamations of wonderment tend to lessen rather than enhance its impact.
Andy Webster, New York Times
A documentary ideal for schoolrooms, family viewing and discussion.
Todd McCarthy, Hollywood Reporter
Serious-minded, thought-provoking animal documentary will have a lengthy life, mostly in ancillary markets.
Joe Neumaier, New York Daily News
Parents should know that the ending makes the last moments of this family-friendly documentary as tough as "Bambi." But the lessons about friendship are gigantic, indeed.
Mike Scott, Times-Picayune
A congenial, though slow-starting, look at an amazing animal.
Kate Erbland, Film School Rejects
The sort of doc that presents an issue that's never quite fleshed out enough to present real solutions
Rob Humanick, Suite101.com
Stylistically raw and unpolished but appropriate to [...] details of emotional intimacy and the messiness of life's balance and imbalances.
Tim Grierson, Screen International
Nature lovers and animal activists will find much that speaks to them in this slender, resonant tale.
Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
Educational, entertaining, and discussion-provoking "The Whale" is a family-friendly documentary that grows on its audience very quickly.
Louis Proyect, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Avoids the pat solutions of movies geared to children like "Free Willy" but should be seen by them nonetheless since it is a necessary introduction to the problem posed by human encroachment on marine life that can lead to their extinction.
Alison Willmore, Time Out New York
While The Whale indulges in hippyish sentiments about the connection between man and beast a little too often, the footage of Luna at play is singular and breathtaking.
Sandie Angulo Chen, Common Sense Media
Touching nature docu gets too emotional for littlest kids.
Glenn Heath Jr., Slant Magazine
The film potently address the interconnectedness between seemingly divergent species in fascinating ways.
John Hartl, Seattle Times
A gorgeous and provocative film that consistently rises above its Flipper-ish genre.